When they arrived at the park with Scone, Brent was there with his dog, Coach, tossing a Frisbee.
“Good morning,” said Brent, trotting over to greet them.
She noticed his eyes glancing at her legs. She wondered if she should have chosen something less revealing.
“Hey, Tyler. Are you ready to practice?” he asked, ruffling his hair.
“I’m ready,” said Tyler, leaping around the park and doing a cartwheel, powerless to contain his enthusiasm.
“It’s all he talked about last night,” said Shade, laughing.
“Well, why don’t we get started before you wear yourself out?” said Brent, grinning at Tyler. “I hope you’re not bored. You may want to sit over there where there’s shade. It might get hot out here.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine,” replied Shade, donning her sunglasses and spreading a blanket on the grass. “I brought something to read. I’m looking forward to basking in the sun after being indoors all week.”
Shade hadn’t felt this relaxed in a long time, stretched out on the blanket, the gentle breeze caressing her skin. She flipped through the prison ministry material, but she couldn’t concentrate. Her eyes kept traveling to Brent and Tyler. She wondered why he never talked about a wife or child, and she questioned why he would sacrifice his Sundays for Tyler.
She studied him. His patient way with Tyler. His athleticism, clear when he fielded a ball or demonstrated hitting techniques. She closed her eyes and thanked God for the gorgeous day and for placing Brent in their lives.
“Grandma. Grandma. Wake up. I’m hungry.”
She squinted, shaken from her siesta, and found Tyler and Brent standing over her. She wiped the small dribble of drool puddled at the corner of her mouth.
“I must have fallen asleep,” she said, trying to gather her composure.
“Tyler tells me you brought lunch. I think we worked up an appetite,” said Brent, amused at her dormant state. “Uh, you have a twig in your hair,” he said, reaching to pull it free.
“Oh,” said Shade, running her fingers through her hair. “Yes, I brought lunch,” she said, sitting up and unpacking the cooler. She pulled out paper plates and gave them a sandwich.
Brent took a bite. “Wow. This is a great sandwich. Seriously. What is this?”
“Prosciutto and fig panini with goat cheese and arugula. It’s one of our signature sandwiches.”
“It’s my favorite,” said Tyler. “My grandma is the best cook in the world.”
“I don’t even like goat cheese,” remarked Brent, “but I guess I’m converted.”
“Can we have cookies now?” asked Tyler.
She handed them a cookie. Brent bit into it, paused and stared at the morsel.
“Okay, what is this? This is one great cookie,” said Brent.
“It’s mocha pecan shortbread. From the bakery.”
“It’s delicious.” He stood. “Hey Tyler. Let’s get back to practice. We have some time before we wrap up for the day.”
Shade watched the two of them sprint off. She delved back into her reading.
After twenty minutes, Brent and Tyler returned, announcing they were through for the day.
“Grandma. You look like Bozo the Clown. Your nose is red.”
She removed her sunglasses and touched her nose. It felt like a hot coal.
“Grandma, you look like you have white sunglasses on.”
“Oh boy,” said Brent, cringing. “You got too much sun. Does it hurt?”
“I didn’t feel it until you said something, but I guess it is a little tender.” Shade found the bottle of sunscreen she had packed but forgot to put on. She applied it to her face.
“Here, let me,” said Brent. “The top of your back and neck is burnt.” He squirted a glob of lotion into his hands and smeared it on her upper back and neck.
Her breath caught as she fought back the unwanted emotion. He seemed oblivious to her reaction.
“I better get home before I do more damage,” said Shade, packing up their things. Brent and Tyler gathered the cooler, the blanket and the dogs and loaded them into the car.
“I can’t thank you enough.”
“My pleasure. I’ll see you next Sunday?”
“Absolutely.”
She prepared Tyler for bed before going into the bathroom to take a cold shower. She looked in the mirror and gasped. Her nose appeared to be twice its normal size and white circles tattooed her eyes. Her torso and upper thighs were lily white while her appendages looked as though she had been turning on a rotisserie. Good grief. He must have done everything in his power to contain his amusement. I look ridiculous.
“I’m sorry you got burned today,” said Tyler, when Shade kissed him goodnight. “You look funny.”
“I know. Never let me forget to put on my sunscreen. And that goes for you, too.”
“I like Brent. He taught me a lot today. I wish he could be my dad.”
Regret washed over her like a cold wave. She cupped his cheek with her hand. “Well, think about how much time you get to spend with him. Baseball camp and now Sundays. Now get to sleep my little baseball-star. I love you.”
“Goodnight Bozo. I love you, too.”
The phone began to ring. She answered to the comforting sound of Brent’s voice.
“Hey. I’m calling to see if you’re okay. You got pretty toasted today.”
“Thanks for checking in. I think I’ll live, but I’ll never again forget my sunscreen.”
“Yeah, be careful. I also wanted to thank you for lunch today. And to tell you how impressed I was with Tyler’s progress. He’s a good kid. I hope all of this practice pays off for him someday, regardless of where he ends up.”
“Me, too. And thanks again for the special day. It meant a lot to Tyler, and to me.”
“Well, call if you need anything. And take two aspirin. It’ll ease the pain. Good night.”
She lay in bed, Brent’s eyes loitering behind her eyelids. She thought about how good he was with Tyler. But today, she noticed something more profound. A poignant smile that crossed his lips when he studied Tyler’s moves. Or when Tyler behaved like a fun-loving kid. He had a vulnerability that piqued her curiosity, and she wanted to know more. Despite her attraction, she cautioned herself—remain focused on Tyler—and her goal. She couldn’t allow anyone to get too close, or she might end up in another situation like before. God gave her a second chance, and she wouldn’t do anything to mess it up.
Chapter Fifteen
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2
“Hi, Tyler. Wanna play catch?” asked Cody, bounding down the steps wearing a baseball cap and glove.
“Yeah. I brought my glove and bat,” said Tyler.
“Glad you could make it,” said Victoria, holding the door open to her tastefully decorated, modest home.
Victoria looked different from the woman Shade knew from baseball practice. She wore a casual short skirt with flip-flops. Her hair hung around her shoulders and her eyes no longer appeared as black dots, likely enhanced by a few swipes of mascara.
“Thanks for inviting us,” said Shade. “I brought you a cheesecake.”
“Thank you. Cheesecake is my favorite.”
“You have a lovely home. How long have you lived here?”
“Five years. I kept the house after my divorce. How about something to drink? Beer, a whiskey sour, soda?”
“I’ll take a soda.”
Victoria handed her a Coke and grabbed a beer for herself. They moved to the screened-in porch out back. “So, how long have you lived in Edelweiss?” asked Victoria.
“Less than a year. I love it here, and the school is perfect for Tyler.”
“That’s why Jack and I bought a house in Edelweiss. For the schools. Jack’s my ex-husband. So, do you work?”
“Yes. I’m the owner of Shady Lane’s Bakery & Café in town. Are you familiar with it?”
“
I sure am. It used to be Bonnie’s Bakery. Right?”
“Yeah. When Bonnie retired, I took it over. How about you?”
“I’m a police officer in Edelweiss.”
“That’s impressive. Do you know an officer named Chad? He’s the fiancé of one of my employees, Sally.”
“Yeah, I know Chad. Great guy.”
“How long have you been divorced?”
“Two years. I joined the police force after the divorce. I’m still adjusting to being a single mom and working too many hours. It’s been hard on Cody. He wants to see his dad more often, but he travels for work. How long have you been a widow?”
“My husband passed away in 1996.”
“I’m sorry. And Tyler’s parents?”
“My daughter, Adeline, died in 1997, and Tyler’s dad passed a few years before that,” said Shade, uncomfortable talking about her past. “Is Cody a baseball fanatic? Tyler’s obsessed with the game.”
“Yeah, I guess he is,” said Victoria, clearly mindful of Shade’s evasiveness. “I think his coach, Brent, helped stimulate his passion. So, what’s Brent’s story? Do you know if he’s married? He sure is interesting to look at,” she said, grinning wide.
Shade smiled. “I’m not sure, but he’s good with the boys.”
Cody and Tyler ran to the back porch. “We’re starving.”
“Well, I guess I should start the grill. I hope you’re okay with burgers. Sure you don’t want something stronger to drink?” asked Victoria, grabbing another beer.
“I’m fine, but thanks. Let me help.”
After eating, the boys retreated to the backyard for another round of catch. Shade learned more about Victoria during her third beer—more than she cared to know. She and Jack divorced when Victoria learned he had a girlfriend in another state. She got suspicious when his travels extended into the weekends, so she hired a private investigator. Victoria, on the other hand, hadn’t slept with a man since her divorce. And it wasn’t for lack of trying. There just weren’t any good opportunities. But, she was on the hunt, looking to rein in a wild stallion.
Victoria continued to talk, and Shade continued to listen.
“So, what about you?” asked Victoria. “Are you seeing anyone?”
“No. My life is too busy. I’m enjoying running the bakery and raising Tyler.”
“Hey, maybe we can get a sitter sometime and go out trolling. Put a spark of excitement into our lives.”
“I’ll give it some thought,” said Shade, laughing, but she knew she wouldn’t. Dusk flirted with the sky. “Well, it’s getting late. Thanks for dinner. Will you be at practice this week?”
“I’ll be there.”
Early the next morning, Shade and Sally arrived at the bakery to fill a corporate lunch order for fifty people. Corporate orders had seen a boost, based on Shade’s marketing efforts. She gained traction after an article appeared in the Edelweiss Gazette, commending her efforts organizing food donations to local homeless shelters.
“Chad and I picked a wedding date,” said Sally. “October 27th. We’re so excited. Invitations go out this week, but I wanted to give you a heads-up. We found a gorgeous resort on Maui. We’re getting married on the beach.”
“It sounds wonderful. I’m so excited for you both. I’ll make reservations.”
“We’ve held a block of rooms at the resort. I’m hoping you and Tyler stay there. And Shade, I have a favor to ask. I’d like Tyler to be our ring bearer, if it’s okay with you.”
“Oh, Sally,” said Shade, overcome with delight. “It’s fine with me, and I’m sure Tyler will be thrilled. I’ll talk to him tonight. Do you think Liz will be okay running the bakery while we’re gone?”
“She’s doing great. No worries. How long do you think you’ll stay in Maui?”
“Maybe a week. I’d like to go sightseeing. I’ve never taken a vacation, except for a deer hunting trip with Stan in the Upper Peninsula, if you call that a vacation.”
“I’m so happy you two are coming. It means a lot to us.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Two more corporate lunch orders came in for the following day, causing Shade and Sally to work longer than expected. She would have to miss baseball camp. Again. Thankfully, Mary volunteered to take Tyler.
“How was practice?” asked Shade, while getting Tyler ready for bed that night.
“Brent made us pitch and aim for a bull’s eye. It’s like a dot in the center. Then he would make the bull’s eye smaller so it would be harder to hit. Guess what? I think I wanna be a pitcher. I liked throwing at the bull’s eye.”
“It sounds like fun. Was Victoria there with Cody?”
“Yeah. And guess what? She kept laughing with Brent after practice ended.”
“Well, maybe he said something funny.”
“Nah. He was talking and she kept laughing, like she was pretending laughing. Like this.” He let out an exaggerated cackle, pitching his head from side to side like an oscillating fan. “And then she kept rubbing his arm.”
“Let’s not talk about Victoria. It’s not nice. Hey, I have good news. We’re going to Sally’s wedding, and we’re going to fly on an airplane. And Sally wants you to be the ring bearer. It means you’ll have a part in the wedding.”
“Wow. We’re going on an airplane? When?”
“In a few months, but we’ll talk more when it gets closer. Now go to sleep. Love you.”
She dressed for bed, her thoughts on Victoria. What did Brent think of her? Jealously rattled her consciousness. She suppressed her emotions and focused on something more meaningful. This week’s study for the prison ministry.
A few nights later, Shade entered the chapel of Emmet County Correctional. The women’s faces beamed, as the chaplain spoke about God’s forgiveness. Shade spotted Meghan sitting alone in the back of the chapel. She recalled the story Meghan had shared with the group last week. Shade ached for her, sadness reaching deep into her heart.
At eighteen, Meghan Barnes had been convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to twenty years. On that fateful night two years ago, she decided to rid the world of Jackson Davis. She’d tolerated his beatings, convinced she deserved it. But when he went after her two-year-old son, she snapped. While he lay snoring, passed out in a drunken stupor, she took his loaded handgun and shot him three times. When the police arrived, she was still pointing the smoking gun at Jackson’s lifeless body, fearing he would pounce at any minute.
Meghan’s life was a mess, and she saw no way out. Had she been thinking logically, she would have realized her parents would have done everything possible to rescue her and Ethan from her self-imposed hell. Instead, she would spend the next twenty years locked away for a decision she made while under the influence of Jackson and cocaine. Her parents were awarded custody of Ethan. He would be twenty-two by the time she got out.
Shade walked over to Meghan and took a seat next to her.
“Hi Meghan. Did you enjoy Bible study?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Anything you want to pray about?”
“Nah. I’m good.”
“Have you had any visitors this week?”
“My dad. Mom stayed home with Ethan. She doesn’t wanna bring him here. Says it’s not good for him.”
“I’m sorry,” said Shade. “Hey, I heard you’re taking GED courses. I went for my GED when I was thirty-six. I didn’t graduate from high school like I had planned. But I’m so glad I got my diploma. It’ll help you when you get out.”
“If I ever get out,” said Meghan, shuffling her feet and staring down.
“I know it seems far off, but it’s best to be prepared when that day comes.”
“How would you know? Have you ever been in prison?”
She paused. “Not with metal bars. Just my personal prison. I struggle every day, but I try to focus on my blessings. We all have baggage. Some heavier than others. But we can’t dwell on what we can’t change. We can only look forward.”<
br />
Meghan looked off, staring vacantly.
“I’ll keep you in my prayers, Meghan. See you next week.”
Shade drove home, her thoughts centered on Meghan. She reminded her of Addy. That same tough demeanor. She thought about the parallels in their lives. Meghan’s son, Ethan. Raised by his grandparents, just two years younger than Tyler. She said a silent prayer for them.
Lying in bed that night, she tossed and turned. Images of Meghan’s shattered life occupied her brain, until sleep seized. And then it came. The white nightgown billowing. Addy’s body levitating. The blast. The blood.
She awakened to the sound of her scream, soaked in perspiration. Her heart staggering.
Tyler appeared in the doorway. “Are you okay, Grandma? I heard you screaming again.”
“I’m fine honey. Go back to bed. I just had a bad dream.”
The next morning, Shade arrived at the park with Tyler and Scone, exhausted from lack of sleep. Brent walked over to greet them.
“Hey, Tyler,” said Brent, mussing his hair. “You ready to practice pitching today?”
“Yeah. I wanna throw faster than Iron Man. Did you know he has supersonic speed? That’s five times faster than sound. Watch this.” Tyler grabbed a stone from the ground and hurled it at a tree. It ricocheted off a thick branch, ripped through a patch of leaves, and evoked a high-pitched chattering. A squirrel somersaulted to the ground.
“Oh, no,” Tyler screamed, running over to the dazed squirrel walking sideways. “I hope he’s okay.”
“You need to be careful, Tyler,” said Shade. “You could hurt someone.”
“Did you bring your sunscreen?” Brent asked Shade.
“I don’t leave home without it,” she said, with a wry smile.
Brent smiled, his eyes lingering. He turned his attention to Tyler. “C’mon buddy, let’s get started.”
The Essence of Shade Page 13